Enga will do it right, says Isifu

By GYNNIE KERO
GIVING more powers to a province like Enga does not mean it will break away from the rest of the country, says Inter-Government Relations Minister Kevin Isifu.
He said that it simply meant that barriers were being taken away to expose Enga to more opportunities.
All political leaders from Enga, including Isifu and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill signed decentralisation documents at Aipus Oval in Wabag on Friday before hundreds of people, including school children. They included Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom, Lagaip-Porgera MP Tomait Kapili, Kompiam-Ambum MP John Pundari and Kandep MP Alfred Manase.
The notable absentee was Wapenamanda MP Rimbink Pato but he assured Governor Sir Peter Ipatas that he would sign the Enga Accord.
“Enga is known for producing very good leaders in the likes of Sir Albert Kipalan, Sir Tei Abal and now Sir Peter Ipatas,” Isifu said.
“The national Government is confident that Enga will do it right.”
Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom apologised to the people for the lack of awareness on the decentralisation of powers to the provincial government.
“I would like to thank the national Government for giving funds and infrastructural development in our province, one of which is the Enga College of Nursing,” he said.
New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan said: “Enga you lead the way. New Ireland and rest of us in Papua New Guinea will be right at the back backing you.”
Jiwaka Governor Dr William Tongamp stressed the need for Government intervention to address law and order in the region as well as the Highlands Highway.
“The Highlands region has more than three million people, almost half the total country’s population,” he said. “Many economic activities like gas and oil projects, mines, coffee and tea plantations and agricultural activities are in our region.